Method and apparatus for forming a head on a fastener and a fastener formed therefrom

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for forming a head (12) having a controlled pre-determined shape on an end of an elongate member (14), such as a wire, which is subsequently formed into a fastener. A portion of the wire (14) is secured in a pre-determined position and an end portion (22) is axially compressed to radially, outwardly expand it to form the head (12). Material flow is directed and controlled during axial compression, for example by flow control channels (30), to provide a controlled pre-determined shape for the head (12). &lt;IMAGE&gt;



